Guitar Teacher REACTS: GUTHRIE GOVAN - Incredible Guitar Solo

[@bendonkin9449]

Michael, you MUST cover Guthrie’s solos on Steven Wilson’s music. Namely: Ancestral, Regret #9, drive home, routine, watchmaker. Please do it.

[@lukesmusic]

Yes Yes and Yes.

[@danteuk8024]

Drive home is a great solo, the slides in the beginning are so perfect.

[@lukatudor8401]

Regret #9 is something beyond words

[@osanakoma366]

who tf is Matthew?!

[@aubreyjones5572]

Ancestral is so damn good.

[@heymrguitarman7637]

Guthrie is pretty much in a league of his own. There's plenty of incredible guitarists out there doing great stuff but Guthrie is the one what can do everything at elite level. The fact he can make a living and tour the world while playing his brand of music with the trio is testament to how brilliant it is.

[@jada90]

His solo album Erotic Cakes is so freaking awesome; he's a great composer, not just a shredder

[@zatoichiMiyamoto]

One of the greatest albums of the 00's!! Solid and tasty!

[@jamescurtis8584]

West Coast Grooves is pretty nuts as well

[@sebbenilsson860]

He's not a shredder at all to me. He's a magical virtuos of a musician.

[@surfingtexas]

I was so happy when I discovered that album as a guitar player

[@reddwarf2238]

The Solo in the middle of Ner Ner is just (Chefs Kiss)

[@flowerlandofjohn]

Lord Guthrie, probably the most well rounded and most competent guitar player who has ever lived. Always spectacular!

[@flowerlandofjohn]

And here, let me share some “Uncle Skunk” with accentuated drums ✌🏻😎 kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3KZpKV6fLZniqMsi=7IN_qvmyvX4-hZPd

[@robosing225]

While I agree with you completely. I would have add that Shawn Lane is the only man that can hold a candle to Guthrie. I am biased yes, but I would say for electrical guitar, Shawn and Guthrie are my top 2 greatest guitar players to ever walk this planet. Guthrie was self taught while Shawn Lane was most likely an actual savant with encyclopedic knowledge of many different fields of study, besides music theory. Don't get me wrong, I feel guys like Frank Gambale and Alan Holdsworth are genius pioneers in their own right. Mad respect for the guitar goats.

[@axernot]

@@robosing225 completely agree with shawn lane and GG being toe-to-toe. I think Buckethead is also very much in that category. May not be as musical as GG or lane to some people, but he definitely is in that realm

[@ChrisM541]

@@axernot Buckethead is definitely not in the same category. If he was, he wouldn't need a gimmicky bucket on his head.

[@atteljas]

Amen

[@mjpierrejr]

I saw the Aristocrats a few week ago at Jack Rabbits in Jacksonville. Tiny place. Criminal how few people they play to. His fast stuff is always great but his slower controlled stuff breaks your heart. He’s a gift.

[@b.c.a.d.3071]

Just saw them again in Chicago last weekend. My first time seeing them, I was so sad that Id never be able to listen to that live performance on the go. Theyre one of the few groups that is better live that on record I think.

[@kqh123]

The thing is that we people who enjoy and appreciate virtuoso guitar are a tiny tiny minority of the population. Most people just don't care about this music. They are "normal", not us.

[@craigstiles5186]

Just saw The Aristocrats two weeks ago in Cleveland. Small intimate show too. Fantastic band.

[@FirstnameLastname-bp5cm]

Just saw them last night in a small club in Boise. I feel the same way for sure.

[@cwhererigoes4612]

Nice, I was also at the show in Jax.

[@ralphthomson2680]

Guthrie Govan can do everything. Unbelievable guitarist. One of the best ever.

[@tolkiyay3085]

MORE GUTHRIE!!! I can't get enough of his playing and your explanation about the technicality behind it! Love from the Netherlands!

[@pievancl5457]

guthrie's blessing and curse is that he doesn't have a signature sound.. and that's because he's just such a genius of improvisation and melody AND technique that he rarely repeats ideas or has "fallback" licks like virtually every guitarist in existence. it's those 'cliche' fallback licks and consistent motifs, patterns, and styles that give each of the greats their signature sound (amongst other things, like the intangibles and how they use their left hand). I've heard Guthrie play thousands of times and have almost never heard him unintentionally repeat the same ideas or run out of ideas during an improvisational solo and retreat to his comfort zone fallbacks. it's unfortunate because I believe it's one of the reasons that he remains underrated despite probably being the most talented guitarist alive right now (and maybe one of the most talented guitarists ever- maybe THE most talented guitar player ever). he's not limited by genre, has no technical limitations, is a master of every kind and style of playing, and on top of it all is melodic, soulful, lyrical and not robotic at all. He is like a mix of Steve Vai, Jimi Hendrix/SRV, larry carlton, wes montgomery. and every other great in their respective guitar field rolled into one. I love Tim Henson, and he deserves the accolades that he's been receiving as of late for being the new Guitar Hero of the modern era because of his creativity and skill, but in terms of modern guitarists, he cannot hold a candle to Guthrie.

[@FSAPOJake]

Bumblefoot / Ron Thal is good because he is basically just as skilled as Guthrie, but he also has a very signature sound.

[@AkZeal76]

I'd have to respectfully disagree, Guthrie does have an identifiable voice, though like any good musician he doesn't use it all the time every time. His combination of fast chromatic lines and arpeggios into giant melodic bends is as recognizably Guthrie as any other great guitarist's signature phrase, but Guthrie only uses it sparingly compared to other since he is so versatile and plays so many different styles.

[@charlehpock]

​@@AkZeal76 100%, when I listened to Have A Blast by Periphery the first time I knew it was a Guthrie guest solo a few bars into hearing it

[@ZTToneshop]

There are patterns that emerge in his playing if you look very closely...

[@pievancl5457]

@@ZTToneshop fair point, but most listeners, especially casual listeners, won't notice them and that's why he doesn't have a 'signature' Guthrie sound, which isnt a bad thing of course and speaks more to his skill than anything

[@lagundafire]

My brother in law studied music at BIMM. Guthrie is a professor there. I was beyond starstruck and stoked to hear that he and Guthrie would hang out, go pub and have little music sessions. Sounds like a stand up guy

[@canman87]

Can confirm, Guthrie is the real deal on the stage and a very entertaining guy to hang out with off-stage. I spent several hours with him late at night (as in, closed the bar down and then spent another couple hours afterward) during the last night at John Petrucci's Guitar Universe 2.0 in 2018. That's a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life.

[@ralphthomson2680]

I had him as a teacher at ACM 2001/2002 he was super cool.

[@minkorrh]

He's just a guy who happens to have an amazing talent that he cultivated to the Nth degree, and he is personable. Learn and listen, don't be 'starstruck' (difficult as it would be lol)

[@taliesinmusic]

Hey. Which BIMM is this?

[@chirbin0nidhogg623]

Guthrie imo is phrasing personified. It seems like all the flash and tricks that he utilizes so often to add to his playing, has distracted people from WHAT he is playing. Even his fast bits are all taste and class

[@TheAquaponic1]

When the Aristocrats project came together I was so excited. My entire family loved everything from them as well. Their first tour in the US, they stopped here in Tempe, Az. at a 200 person club and my family and I were some of the first to arrive for the show. Being the nerd musicians we are I immediately went to the soundboard and the kids went to the floor lvl stage to check out the gear. Brian, Marco and Guthrie were just chilln' and started talking to the kids and I and were so happy to see my kids at the show. They were the most gracious and approachable band members I had been around for a while and just doted on my kids. Naturally being able to be 5ft away from a band during a show like this is a magical thing. But the pictures, having a drink together with the guys and how genuine they were was the icing on the cake. Guthrie Govan should be a household name.... chops are chops.... tone and feel sets some of these guys apart. Lol, I could go on and on, good call. Thanks for the content.

[@GlennyCee]

So nice to see you genuinely moved and exited by this video, I totally get it and feel the same, goosebumps all the way! I really like the way you show the theory too, you come across as a great player. All the best man!

[@warpspeed9877]

Superb playing. With vibes taken from Jeff Beck and Mark Knopfler. I still think that his emotional peak was reached in the solo of DRIVE HOME with Steve Wilson. Steve had a strong leash on his shredding breakouts. Which is always a good thing.

[@GalegHelross]

Saw The Aristocrats a few weeks ago. Incredible that that they are still playing shows for a few hundred people at a time. it was unforgettable.

[@MitchellN27]

Cant wait, as I'm watching him live next year in Melbourne Australia. Never been so excited for a gig before like this.

[@williammcbane2599]

Just beautiful. And your self-deprecating analysis is awesome. Thanks from all us mortals.

[@minkorrh]

I just wouldn't even attemnpt to go there. He's a literal _savant_ , and I really don't know many who could keep up with that sort of natural ability. From his technical ability, to his musical knowledge and intrinsic fretboard knowledge is beyond mere mortals. I've watched that entire video about 5 times and every time I'm in awe. Definitely a bucket-list thing.

[@ChrisM541]

I 100% agree. You can't teach/break down virtuosity.

[@arithmetech]

Your ear is sick, man. Loving these videos

[@ronaldhendricks3876]

I’ve been waiting on you to break down this exact performance since I found your channel. This was really cool. Thank you. Its utterly insane that Guthrie improvised this entire solo. It’s from their song “flatlands”. This exact performance is on Spotify btw. Yes, its a song hes played countless times, but every time he takes it in a different direction. Just mind blowing.

[@d4rkblu386]

Guthrie might be the best guitar player alive right now. He can play any style, with the highest possible proficiency, right off the dome, on stage. If anyone on earth deserves to front a trio with the 1 in a million musicians that are Marco and Bryan, it's muthufuckin Guthrie Govan. Definately deserves to be right up there with all the greats, if not above them.

[@martinpaddle]

Not quite, he doesn't play nylon string (classical, Flamenco, ...). Though I'm sure he could master it if he wanted to...

[@whatasaverl6456]

I was lucky enough to play with Guthrie years ago at a music show in the UK. Such a down to earth dude and hands down the most fluid player of his generation. Would love to see some more videos of him here!

[@tommygrant6275]

Just watch the music video for Drive Home by Steven Wilson and the guthrie solo will make you cry

[@FSAPOJake]

Guthrie Govan is probably the most versatile guitarist alive today. He can play literally anything completely flawlessly.

[@KBJ58]

The coolest thing about the man, is his complete lack of ego. I was lucky enough to live in the same home town, Chelmsford, Essex, and watched him and his band, The Fellowship, at least once a month for years. I appreciate that jazz is not your bag, and that's fair enough, but he really can play anything, which is why Hans Zimmer uses him for his live shows, His rehearsal solo on the 'Man of Steel' theme, is mind-blowing, and may be the best solo I've ever heard him play - and as IMHO there is no other guitarist who can really match his scope, flexibility, and creativity, probably the best solo by anyone, ever.

[@RonaldEllenburg]

A most excellent breakdown of the most mellowist raking I've heard in quite o few moons. Seriously disturbing on a real professional level. Truly enjoyable , and I thank everyone for it. Outstandingly good!!!!! Stay cool brother , ron

[@xxdemestrosxx]

there is objectively one BEST guitarist of all time and his name is guthrie govan. not the greatest, not most influential. just the best.

[@ChrisM541]

Yup, and there's a reason Hans Zimmer has him in his live shows. Virtuosity at this level is extremely rare.

[@jedisponge16]

9:11 He's actually pressing down on his floating bridge with the heel of his palm to bend everything up then releasing

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

This is taken from The Aristocrats' live DVD "Boing, We'll Do it Live!" I can't stress how great this entire concert DVD is. I've listened to it at least half a dozen times. As amazing as Govan is, with The Aristocrats he's finally playing with two musicians that are on his level; Marco Minnemann is an incredible drummer, and Bryan Beller is just so tasteful and solid that he allows Marco and Guthrie to go crazy. While the entire concert is available on KZbin, the actual DVD has a surround mix by Steven Wilson that sounds phenomenal, especially if you have great speakers or a great subwoofer. They didn't skimp on the bass!

[@minkorrh]

I've watched it numerous times. I'll have to look for the DVD.

[@harleytech119]

Michael, I am an experienced drummer and beginning bass player. I wish you would make videos like this while really breaking down the drum and bass side of things. I know you a guitar teacher and player but, I for one would enjoy it. Great stuff as usual. Thanks.

[@sonicart1808]

Stunning performance from Guthrie, simply mind blowing technique....awesome explanation & breakdown thanks Michael.

[@BradGreen-t3c]

I was introduced to Guthrie Govan not that long ago. He is one of if not the best and most amazing guitar player! Thanks for noodling thru that blizzard of chords and notes!✌🏻

[@osanakoma366]

The GOAT. Not just in our time, he is thee king.

[@AudioNaut93]

The Aristocrats are my favorite instrumental band of all time and the only group I’ve seen live multiple times. They are an incredible live band. If you have the chance to see them live, do it.

[@kgrant67]

Saw this band about a year and a half ago in Asheville NC. About 150 people. On the one hand it was thrilling to see them and such and intimate space but on the other hand is kind of like oh my god these people deserve to be in front of thousands

[@jonathananderson3897]

Check out the album he did with Steven wilson. Or the concert he did with dizzi rascal. He's an absolute monster player, but isn't just a shredder. There's so much more to him

[@ibanezleftyclub]

Like walking to Mordor, one does not simply just play Guthrie.

[@kevinbailey3384]

I have had the pleasure of seeing GG a few times live, and he is just a master of the instrument. He can seemingly play anything, and seeing him play with Hans Zimmer beaming, is just wonderful. Another guitarist I think who is criminally underrated is Gary Moore, who could also play anything to an incredibly high level. Subjective, but for me, GG is the greatest living guitarist in the world. Really interesting breakdown, and I encourage you to review the Steven Wilson songs mentioned and also the Man of Steel solo

[@RedSpyderX]

I don't understand much about the theory you talk about, but your giggles @ 5:51, man ... Those are product of fun and passion. That I can 100% understand.

[@SLASHMotoVlog]

Everytime I watch his video. I feel like it's my first time. Damn this guitar solo surely on my top 10 list.

[@leightnite3056]

I'm honestly right there w ya, he finally got me in the feels!

[@ChrisM541]

You can't 'break down' a virtuoso. It's stunningly embarrassing to even try because it's not only the technique that's impossible to replicate, it's also the touch, feel, phrasing, dynamics, etc etc. I always prefer to simply watch, in awe, the original performance.

[@bozeeke]

An amazing talent for sure. I've seen videos of his guitar clinics where guys come in and are obsessed with speed and he quickly corrects them, explaining that it's not really what it's all about and that you build speed when these scales, chord shapes and techniques become second nature after you learn them slowly first. It's really about using it all to tell a good story musically. Great player and insightful teacher. Guthrie is the man.

[@gootz2480]

Bro i watched this clip for so many years thanks for reminding me and reacting

[@pjs777s.8]

This is the best most tasteful composition I’ve heard from Guthrie!!❤

[@ththejackjumper]

The Aristocrats are so good

[@cbb80]

I saw them in New York City a few weeks ago, and they were absolutely incredible.

[@MikaTarkela]

Guthrie's playing always makes me feel so many emotions ❤ I've seen the Aristocrats two times live here in Finland and they have been the most interesting gigs I've ever seen / heard. I also attended in one of his guitar clinics and it was awesome! Such a nice and fun chap!

[@simonbowkett124]

I’m old enough to remember Guthrie doing transcriptions for Guitar Techniques Mag in the late 90s. He’s a sponge, and yet it comes out as his unique voice. His first proper guitar was a P90 SG and he made it his mission to try and emulate all the sounds and players of other guitars with the SG.

[@willr55]

Dude, I've been thinking about sending you a message about Guthrie for a while and I am so glad that I opened up today and saw that you're covering him🎉

[@stevedalzell9258]

He won guitar player of the year in guitarist magazine competition way back and ended up working for them he also joined Asia the band for a short period of time and out of all the guitar players I have heard in my 47 years of guitar playing I envy Guthrie the most because of his ability to play any style to at least fantastic level.

[@dylanrogers510]

Maybe I'm crazy but the first half of that was way more enjoyable than the latter half. Lots of people can shred. Few people are that tasteful, or have that kind of tone. Glad you brought up Beck, it was really reminiscent of his style

[@petergrohmuller1372]

It's interesting to see how even a brilliant analysis of his indescribable playing and his otherworldly skills pales into insignificance when you simply listen to Guthrie Govan. 😄

[@RoyChewbacca]

I saw Guthrie in a small bar in Essex in 2008. I had no idea who he was, but god he was good!

[@jaredhelm2850]

So many things are fantastic about this clip, including that perfect pocket from the drums. However, I think this video really shows how impactful counterpoint can be when you have a really solid bass player.

[@umiranvnutriev3138]

I keep coming back to this solo (and the regret#9 one) over past few years, mr Govan is the Dad

[@DabsDad]

This is one of your best videos

[@judegraham463]

hi Michael. How could I ignore this opportunity of being 1st in saying thanks for another great video. Cheers from Australia.

[@Guitargate]

Cheers!!!

[@patrickhang5974]

Guthrie is an incredible guitar player and musician! The best alive right now! His use of insane techniques combined with all the theory makes his playing stand out so much to me. The biggest thing i get from Guthrie is how relaxed and natural his sound is. Nothing sounds forced and everything flows. He is a wizard for sure 😂

[@briumphbimbles]

You havent listen enough to Guthrie. The best parts are the parts which make your heart feel like its melting. The shred is fine but what is best about him is his phrasing, feel and how he articulates something very genuine. In all the complexity those are the parts which make him one of the best guitarists.

[@DanuForhonor]

You should do more Guthrie Govan, he is my favorite. There are a lot of videos of him just teaching the World how to make a guitar sing, there’s one about bending and its a blues song….you should see that

[@esakarjalainen7084]

If you want to see similar or even more evident index finger anchoring check Ritchie Kozen live solos both his solo & Winery Dogs stuff

[@krob5375]

Always a shame how most of the world has missed so many guitar greats. Unless their in a huge band like EVH, the just slip under the rug. Us guitarists know tho. Guthrie is just unbelievable, one of the all time greats.

[@mysticalpotato86]

It will destroy you!

[@slimsantilli4476]

Guthrie has studied the greats. Everyone from Chet Atkins to Jeff Beck. From Eric Johnson to Alex Skolnick. So amazing.

[@yolospartanch6577]

Flatlands from Boing! We’ll do it live. (Where this clip is from) one of my favorite Guthrie clips on KZbin and that live album was in my daily rotation for a while.

[@guesswilsey]

great to see you covering Guthrie!

[@Hydratz]

You gotta take a look at Kazumi Watanabes live performance of City for some crazy solos!

[@thukdun]

What amazes me whenever I listen to Guthrie is that every single note he plays matters.

[@remlaphomes]

I love your guitar brother! 👊😎

[@phutureproof]

Using the ring finger also has the added benefit of being able to use the inside of your hand as a kind of fulcrum, so even if your finger isnt that strong you can use your entire wrist behind it

[@lukather1]

Ive seen the page beck watch via mattuso and plini and numerous other worldies.....buy by christ I saw 'him' at Manchester last year and as a seasoned 40 year guitarist .....my god ... he is the chosen one the Messiah of a generation and if you are a guitarist go see him... words defeat me ! great guy approachable and and oh yes ......definately the GOAT !! full fuckin stop !

[@leerobbo92]

The guitar player's guitar player. Everything he does is spectacular. Highly recommend his Steven Wilson work, hearing his solos in the context of someone else's music is really something.

[@stevejpm1]

This is the way to do a reaction..Bravo.

[@thenoseplays2488]

Dorthy Martin's "rest in peace" unplugged is the best thing you have never heard.

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

This guy is a Steve Morse level player. His Floyd use is truly phenomenal. VERY difficult to use it without going sharp or flat. His precision is unreal.

[@rickm1255]

Bends and vibrato, the man is a master!

[@keithscott5580]

"Things that stand out" No one has sounded like this since Jeff Beck, an amazing impersonation, and then some.

[@edwardsell5265]

Guthrievis other worldly, his technique, phrases, whammy control is not human.

[@nunezkant]

Best guitarrist alive imo, there's nothing that Guthrie cannot play, he is classy phrasing embodied.

[@CaptainHobnob316]

My first guitar, a squire strat kit, came with a instructional dvd with Guthrie and it was so helpful

[@agavalence]

My standing argument as to why Guthrie Govan is the GOAT lies on the fact that there's nothing the fella can't play. Guthrie is the one guy you can take on any gig regardless of genre. He's so limitless. #GODthrieGovan

[@juansecar2]

That beginning is almost 100% Bill Frisellish style... wonderful.

[@Illumignostic]

Garcia did that simultaneous bend thing during eyes sometimes in the nineties, keeping both notes perfectly in tune.

[@Cheximus]

Not many people know about his guitar work on Octarine, but if you like Guthrie then check it out. It's some of his best stuff imo.

[@BreathingTheory]

Gonna echo the people saying Drive Home by Steven Wilson, one of his absolute greatest solos and rumor is that he improvised it in one or two takes.

[@Retiredoneat60]

I have seen this band in Dallas.

[@MercutioUK2006]

Fantastic ear Michael, even if you have the video to work with. He's SUCH a phenomenal musician in general, let alone being such a stellar guitarist.

[@seanmarkowitz4216]

I saw these guys last week, The Aristocrats...they played this song...all of their songs, the whole set I was Godsmacked. Genius in every way. never heard anything like it or even close to on its level. not. even. close.

[@francoisathome5979]

This song, Flatlands, was composed by Bryan Beller, Aristocrats bassplayer.

[@gordoncrmn]

For me my favorite guthrie solo is drive home on steve wilsons record. What a great solo that is

[@ovol1ty]

Excellent guthrie video michael. How about another shawn lane analysis please😮

[@aka.Mr.French]

Michael, re your curiosity about Guthrie's "chicken pickin'" abilities: try the Aristocrats' song (his composition), "The Kentucky Meat Shower." I know there's a clip of it on YT (including his delightfully British-storytelling explanation of the song title).

[@NewPraetorianBlues]

I'm not sure if you've ever checked out Greg Koch, but his performance of Drowning On Dry Land with Josh Smith (1.27.2020) on KZbin is insane. 284k views for a reason!

[@martyrey8063]

At 9.30 does he do a floyd rose press with his lower palm?

[@angelosartore2179]

WOW! Guthrie is the MAN! Such control & smooth movement round the neck. Truly outrageous. Brian & Marco are supreme with their accompaniment.

[@titntin5178]

One of the very best there has been, I love Guthrie, his approach and his demeanor. Just listen to 'the Aristocrats' (this trio) or his work with Hans Zimmer and you will be left in no doubt. I love that he chose to teach music rather than 'play a guitar god' when he was younger. He loves to teach.

[@jhall6926]

Tipping his musical hat to the genius of the hellcasters...pure class, yeah....😊

[@burnsZY85]

Seeing him live is something else.

[@xxdemestrosxx]

guthrie has a lot of non jazz stuff out there. he is a true genius

[@stevejpm1]

Hey Michael you need to check out this guy,who i've have been a fan for years and it's Michael Lee Firkins - Laughing Stacks, and put your whammy bar on.

[@caseystevens462]

Guthrie is the GOAT!